Man accused of ramming garda car on M50 during high speed chase

A father-of-two has been sent for trial accused of reckless endangerment by ramming a garda car during a high-speed chase on the M50.

Andrew Allen (37) had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared at Blanchardstown District Court.

Mr Allen is charged with ramming a marked garda car, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

He is also accused of two counts of criminal damage - to the rear bumper and passenger doors of a patrol car, as well as uninsured driving, failing to stop for a garda and two counts of dangerous driving.

The offences are alleged to have happened at River Road, and Ashtown Road, both in Castleknock, and other locations in north Dublin on October 7 last year.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Allen the formal warning that he must provide any alibi details to the prosecution within 14 days.

He also made an order for copies of the video of the accused's garda interview to be made available to the defence.

The defendant did not address the court during the brief proceedings.

He was handed a copy of the book of evidence.

Previously, a garda witness said the accused made "no comment" to the charges when they were put to him.

A state solicitor said the Director of Public Prosecutions was directing trial on indictment .

Judge McHugh granted free legal aid to the defendant.

Most of the charges against Mr Allen are under the Road Traffic Act but the endangerment charge is contrary to the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The accused has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to any of the charges.

He was remanded on bail pending his next appearance, in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

At Mr Allen's first court appearance last year, Garda Paul Doona said in evidence he arrested the accused in Leopardstown and brought him to Blanchardstown Garda Station.